Murder by Decree
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Movie Reviews of Murder by Decree
Movie Review: Recipe for movie excellence
Summary: 5 Stars
Take a factual event, in this case the Jack the Ripper Killings. Take one of the more popular theories of the murders such as the involvement of the British Royal family, Add the most famous fictional detective of all, Sherlock Holmes, to investigate and solve the theory, then mix well. Then release on DVD. The resulting movie is a good quality, thought provoking, tasty and very entertaining story. The chemistry between Christopher Plummer (Holmes) and the late James Mason (Watson) is simply outstanding as indeed are the supporting actors, if one can classify John Gielguld, Genieve Bujold and Frank Finlay as merely supporting. Again this 'Ripper' theory is only one of many, but Murder by Decree certainly makes it a convincing one.One disappointment with the new DVD release, perhaps a documentary on the Ripper Murders in Whitechapel could have been added for interest. Apart from that the film quality and sound are mush better than I expected.
Movie Review: Review of the DVD itself.
Summary: 5 Stars
Since everyone with any sense knows this is a great film, I will just give my thoughts on the actual DVD.
The transfer is wonderful. Sharp, but still giving you that slightly understated sense of color vibrance you expect from English films reflecting this time period.
The sound is in mono, but there are hardly any scenes that would warrant any great speaker seperation. Yet the sound is pretty good. There were times in the outdoor scenes where the actors' lines were partially obscured, but it was forgivable.
The commentary is great. It has somewhat large gaps, but I found it insightful about the production of the film, as well as Jack the Ripper and Holmes lore.
The production stills are a nice touch, but the feature I found cool beyond anything I expected was that the script is provided on the disc in the form of a PDF file you can access on your computer. Very cool, indeed.
Movie Review: Wonderfully cast!
Summary: 5 Stars
A thousand blessings on whoever decided to take Dr. Watson seriously and cast James Mason in this movie. He is a treasure in the role.
Apart from that, Christopher Plummer is excellent as Holmes; not as quirky as I personally like to see him but outstanding none the less, and a good physical type for Holmes as a plus. Donald Sutherland and the woman who plays Annie were also noteworthy--in fact the whole cast is just superb.
I would have liked to see a more gripping climax to the story, and there was a detail or two that I thought could maybe have been tied up better. The only other complaint I have to make about this movie is about the hairstyles given to some of the characters. Definitely not period appropriate! But that's an amusing flaw more than an annoying one, fortunately.
Movie Review: a startling theory
Summary: 5 Stars
perhaps the most riveting and entertaining of all sherlock holmes venues, 'murder by decree' offers viewers an amazing theory about jack the ripper.
normally depicted as a madman with an astonishing capacity for using cutlery, this film explores the possibility that 'jack' was indeed part of an intricate plot hatched by higher-ups in 19th century england to protect the very throne, which they perceived was in jeopardy as a result of an indiscretion by a heir-in-waiting.
christopher plummer delivers a warm and perceptive act as holmes, showing, in the end, the ability to display emotion, and james mason is convincing as his able-bodied cohort in crime solving.
Movie Review: The very best "Ripper" movie
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been waiting for this excellent movie to come out on DVD for so long! I am a huge "Ripper movie" fan,and have seen them all,new and old.This one is my favorite,not because I necessarily believe in this particular explanation as to the identity of the Ripper,but because of the wonderful acting of Christopher Plummer as Holmes,and James Mason as Watson.Everyone in the cast is so good,and I especially like the humanity that Holmes shows,and the wonderful feistiness and loyalty of Watson.I cannot recommend this movie enough.If you love a good,scary movie,tempered with wit,intelligence,some heartache and soul,you will not be disappointed.